Stop, Look, Listen: The urgent need for Government to understand where food comes from
As an apolitical association, we don’t take sides, but we do champion ideas that can make a positive difference for our industry—no matter where they come from. Our goal is simple: to inform and educate all levels of government about the specific issues our industry faces—issues that may go unnoticed or misunderstood by decision-makers.
It’s no secret that Australia’s horticulture industry has been facing tough times of late. COVID-19 disrupted supply chains, input costs skyrocketed, and revenue failed to keep pace (in fact, revenue has been stalled for over a decade for many). Add in pests like varroa mite and fall army worm amongst many others, increasing market and compliance requirements, and multiple disaster impacts, and it’s clear we are a sector in need of support.
However, what may not be as well understood is the profound impact that Federal Government decisions have on our sector. While it may not be a deliberate strategy to undermine horticulture, it seems that the realities of our industry have not been fully considered when policies are being crafted. This disconnect often leads to unintended consequences that place immense pressure on growers, often threatening the sustainability of their operations.
For example, changes around piece rates, minimum wage and other industrial issues are made at a macro level—on paper. However, the practicalities of implementing these decisions on the ground are far more complex and, quite frankly, underestimated. The decisions often fail to account for the unique challenges that growers face on the farm, particularly when it comes to seasonality, which is a fundamental aspect of our industry.
Seasonality in horticulture is not just a characteristic of the industry—it is the backbone of how we operate. Crops grow on their own schedule, irrespective of what policy decisions are made in Canberra. It’s a tough reality when seasonal fluctuations don’t align with the inflexibility of bureaucratic systems. What may seem like a simple administrative adjustment or a change in compliance requirements can create overwhelming challenges on the ground.
Changes to employment laws or new compliance requirements often require growers to adopt new software, hire additional staff, or completely restructure their operations just to manage the outcomes of those decisions. All additional costs without a corresponding return.
If as Australians, we would like to continue enjoying fresh, Australian grown food, then we need to ensure that the people who grow it are supported. We are asking for a deeper understanding of the challenges that growers face when implementing these policies. We need better coordination between government decisions and the realities of our industry. It’s time to move beyond one-size-fits-all policies that fail to account for the unique dynamics of horticulture.
Dear Feds (of all colours), we urge you to stop, look, and listen. Stop pushing forward with policies that may have unintended consequences for our sector until you have taken the time to truly understand the challenges we face. Look closely at the realities on the ground for growers, who are navigating an ever-changing landscape shaped by seasonality, rising costs, and complex regulatory requirements. And listen to the voices of those who work tirelessly to feed this nation and take their input into account before making decisions that could further harm our industry. This is not a drill, food for Australians depends on it.
